By Demola Akinyemi, Ilorin
Tension has gripped Offa community in Offa Local Government Area of Kwara State following multiple explosions that rocked parts of the town late Thursday night, destroying property and causing widespread fear among residents.
The explosions occurred barely hours after the United States President, Donald Trump, announced U.S. airstrikes against ISIS targets in parts of North-West Nigeria, including Sokoto State, on Christmas Day. However, authorities have not established any link between the Offa incident — a predominantly Muslim community — and the U.S. airstrikes.
Vanguard reliably gathered that no casualty had been recorded as of Friday morning, while security agencies have commenced investigations into the incident.
Sources told Vanguard that the explosions occurred at three different locations around midnight on Christmas Day. Several buildings were reportedly affected around the Eid praying ground area, while a second explosion was recorded near Solid Worth Hotel, about a five-minute walk from the first location. A third blast was said to have occurred shortly after the hotel, within the same vicinity.
Further findings revealed that an undetonated explosive device was later recovered at the second location, prompting security operatives to cordon off the affected areas to prevent further danger.
As of the time of filing this report, the source and nature of the explosions had not been officially confirmed by security agencies.
Confirming the development, the Chief Press Secretary to the Executive Chairman of Offa Local Government, Abiola Azeez Babatunde, said the council was aware of reports of a suspected ordnance-related incident around the Offa Yidi praying ground.
In a statement, the local government disclosed that security agencies had secured the affected areas and launched investigations into the explosions. It also revealed that the Executive Chairman of Offa Local Government Area, Hon. Suleiman Olatunji Omituntun, visited the scene shortly after the incident to assess the situation.
The council chairman urged residents to remain calm, vigilant and law-abiding, advising them to rely on credible and official sources for information to avoid panic.
Offa Local Government assured residents of its commitment to their safety and pledged continued collaboration with relevant authorities until investigations are concluded.
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